ChessMotion
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, causing both motor and non-motor symptoms that result in disability and caregiver burden in aging society.
ChessMotion aims to revolutionise Parkinson's tremor management by integrating diagnosis and treatment processes into a singular, at-home application. Utilising Augmented Reality (AR) and machine learning within an immersive chess game, the project facilitates continuous monitoring of tremors in a user-friendly, therapeutic environment. This approach not only promotes frequent and proactive health management but also transforms the traditional clinical experience into an accessible and interactive one, directly benefiting patients within the comfort of their homes.
​Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease can experience a spectrum of symptoms that vary in intensity throughout the progression of the condition, with deeper shades representing a potential increase in severity.
​Parkinson’s Disease Progression
​Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
There are four main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: (1) Bradykinesia; (2) Tremor; (3) Rigidity; and (4) Gait balance issues. To consider a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, one must have bradykinesia, plus one or more of the other three motor symptoms.
Desk Research
Concept
Ideation
​Tremor Diagnosis through AI
Four Dimensions
1. Frequency Analysis: Use signal processing techniques to analyse the frequency of tremors captured through sensors analysis.
2. Amplitude and Pattern Recognition: Using machine learning algorithms trained to assess and recognise the amplitude and specific movement patterns such as "pill-rolling".
3. Symmetry Analysis: Evaluate the symmetry of tremor presentation (unilateral vs. bilateral) and progression over time.
4. Contextual Analysis: Consider the context in which tremors occur (at rest, during posture, or during movement) and their response to external factors like stress or voluntary movements.
​Effective Treatment
(Chess game + Music Therapy)
​Chess Game (realised by Augmented Reality)
Four Dimensions
1. The gamified aspect of using AR to play chess create a more immersive and fun environment.
2. The combination of the AR chess game and auditory cues epitomises a dual-task paradigm (engage the brain and body simultaneously), which
a) better assesses the extent to which the Parkinson’s disease affects cognitive and motor abilities
b) improves motor and multitasking abilities
c) improves executive functions including planning, problem-solving, and attention
d) enhances ability to process complex sensory information (visual & audio)
​Music Therapy
Music Therapy
Music therapy, defined as the strategic application of sound and music within a dynamic patient-therapist relationship, enhances physical, mental, and social-spiritual wellness. It offers cognitive, psychosocial, behavioural, and motor advantages for individuals with neurological conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease. Music's significant contributions to human health lay the groundwork for non-pharmaceutical approaches to treating these disorders. Engaging in music activates multisensory and motor networks in the brain, influencing changes across various regions and impacting the emotion and reward systems. This comprehensive effect is leveraged in the therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment of neurological disorders.
What specific functions can be improved?
Effects of music therapy on Motor Sphere
In their review of recent literature, Devlin, Alshaikh, and Pantelyat emphasise the outcomes of studies focusing on music and rhythm-based interventions for gait impairments and various motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and other movement disorders. These studies have shown the immediate positive effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait aspects, including freezing, in patients, suggesting a potential reduction in falls and support for sustained mobility. The observed effectiveness of music therapy in enhancing gait during both "on" and "off" dopaminergic states indicates its potential as a significant complement to existing therapeutic options.
Effects of music therapy on Social and Communication Sphere
Singing, sharing similar neural networks and structural mechanisms as speech, holds therapeutic promise for treating speech disorders. As an intervention, it can enhance volume, swallowing problems and respiratory function in Parkinson's disease patients. Moreover, music therapy has proven effective in maintaining vocal abilities and delaying the vocal deterioration in individuals with PD, particularly those impacted by stroke.
Effects of music therapy on Emotion Sphere
Music therapy may enhance commitment to treatment due to its engaging and enjoyable nature, which not only uplifts mood but also alleviates depressive symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Effects of music therapy on Cognitive Sphere
Music-based interventions have the potential to enhance frontal brain function by serving as a platform for cognitive skill development, particularly stimulating attention and executive functions like planning, flexible thinking, and execution.
​Barriers to access healthcare services
Individuals with Parkinson's disease encounter numerous obstacles when seeking healthcare services in today's society, which can be classified into personal and systemic barriers. The ChessMotion initiative is strategically designed to address these various impediments—specifically those emphasised in yellow—to healthcare access for patients with Parkinson's disease.
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*HCPs stands for Healthcare Professionals
​Barriers to access healthcare services
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User Scenario
